President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted the State Police Bill to the House of Representatives, seeking constitutional backing for the establishment of State Police Services as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

The proposed legislation, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution, was read during Tuesday’s plenary by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

In a letter accompanying the bill, President Tinubu said the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the effective implementation of a dual policing structure capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

According to the President, the bill forms a key component of his administration’s broader strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security framework to better protect lives and property.

“The Bill builds on the work already done by the House and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address the nation’s evolving national security challenges can be achieved quickly and effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the President stated.

He expressed confidence that lawmakers would give the bill expedited consideration.

House Withdraws Earlier State Police Bill

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has rescinded its earlier Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police following the submission of the Executive Bill by the President.

House spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, explained in a statement that the lower chamber had earlier passed its own version of the constitutional amendment on June 11, 2026, and later constituted a 12-member Conference Committee to harmonise differences with the Senate’s version.

However, he said the transmission of the Executive Bill introduced fresh considerations regarding the structure, implementation and operational framework of State Police, making it necessary to adopt a unified legislative approach.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Francis Waive, seeking the rescission of the earlier resolution and the dissolution of the Conference Committee.

According to Rotimi, the move is intended to eliminate parallel constitutional amendment processes and allow lawmakers to focus on the Executive Bill.

The bill has since passed First and Second Readings and has been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative work.

He stressed that the House’s decision should not be interpreted as a withdrawal of support for State Police.

“Rather, it reflects the resolve of the House, working in concert with the Executive, to ensure that the constitutional framework establishing State Police Services is comprehensive, effective and responsive to Nigeria’s evolving security realities,” Rotimi said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the House to constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and improving national security.

Gbajabiamila Seeks Stronger Executive-Legislature Partnership

Also speaking at the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with the National Assembly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing participants at the event themed “Three Years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform,” Gbajabiamila said transparency, inclusion and institutional reforms remain critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

He noted that while the Executive and Legislature are independent arms of government, both share the responsibility of improving the lives of Nigerians.

“Our democracy is strengthened when both arms engage with mutual respect, constitutional fidelity and a clear focus on results,” he said.

Gbajabiamila urged lawmakers to focus on impactful legislation, effective oversight and people-oriented representation, stressing that Nigerians expect both arms of government to work together in promoting security, economic renewal, social justice and national development.

National Assembly Library Highlights Digital Transformation

Earlier, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library, Hon. Henry Nwawuba, described the Open Week as a celebration of democratic openness and institutional progress.

He said the National Assembly Library had made significant strides since its inauguration by President Tinubu, including the digitisation of thousands of legislative records, expansion of public access to parliamentary information, and increased citizen engagement through digital platforms.

According to him, the library now attracts over one million website visitors weekly, has digitised more than 8,500 legislative materials, and hosts thousands of physical visitors annually while serving as a vital repository of Nigeria’s legislative history.

Nwawuba added that the institution has also revived the Legislative Digest, expanded research output, and hosted numerous policy dialogues aimed at strengthening democratic governance and public participation.